The Jerusalem Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 19 Iyar 5773 sentenced a mashgiach to five months imprisonment and an 8,000 NIS fine for pouring scalding water on an employee of a factory that he supervised. The mashgiach is a resident of Betar Illit and father of 14 children.

The incident occurred two years earlier. The mashgiach stood accused of pouring a pot of scalding water on an employee, resulting in burns to his scalp, face, neck, shoulders, back and the palms of his hands.

The defendant admitted his guilt, explaining he decided to pour the boiling water on the employee who regularly taunted and punched him, explaining he endured the abuse for a long time before reacting. He told the court he warned the victim to back off and leave him alone a number of times, telling him if he does not he will pour boiling water on him. He filed a complaint with the factory’s management but nothing was done he explained.

The defendant warmed the water and then poured it on the victim, but expressed remorse over his actions. He told the court he did not realize the damage it would cause to the victim.

The court in its ruling acknowledged the fact that the mashgiach lost his job and was unemployed for the year following the boiling water attack as well as the realization that he is the father of such a large family. Taking this into consideration, the court sentenced him to only five months imprisonment despite the fact defendants who came before the same court for similar offenses were sentenced to longer prison terms.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)